Indian Express photographer dies on assignment in Jhansi

The Indian Express photographer Ravi Kanojia was electrocuted on the railway tracks that proved fatal while on an assignment in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on Monday. News of his death sent shock waves in the photography community. Ravi is survived by his parents and three sisters.

Ravi left for Jhansi early Monday morning to cover the drought situation in Bundlekhand for The Indian Express. Apparently, Ravi was shooting a 10-wagon train filled with water that has been stationed at Jhansi since the past four days as the Uttar Pradesh insists it has no need for this from the Centre. He was attempting to get a high-angle shot from an elevation when he was electrocuted by a high-tension wire.

From Ludhiana, Ravi initially worked as a stringer for the Indian Express there before he was hired and transferred to the New Delhi bureau in 2009. Ravi was an outstanding photographer whose work in and outside Delhi won him great acclaim. Ravi was honoured for creative excellence by the Press Council of India in 2014 for his coverage of those displaced in the Muzaffarnagar riots. Ravi was also felicitated by the Delhi government for "capturing the spirit of Delhi" through his photographs.

Ravi had a cheerful disposition and was always seen smiling. Helpful and approachable, his love for photography and life was apparent through his photographs. "I have known Ravi since he joined the bureau in 2009," said Tashi Tobgyal, a friend and colleague. "His loss is incomparable and we are devastated by the news," Tobgyal added.

Hindustan Times photographer Ravi Choudhary, a close friend said "I have known Ravi since the seven years now since we were colleagues at the Express. Though, I moved on to work for another organization, our friendship continued on and off the field." Another photographer Chandan Khanna from the Agency France-Presse (AFP) said, "He was very supportive of me while I was struggling as a freelancer. Although, I've not known him since long, we struck a friendship and a close bond.

Ravi was my friend. Memories and anecdotes of interaction with Ravi flowed as friends called and consoled each other for our loss. In a city, where most of us are migrants, our friends become our family of sorts. I remember calling Ravi on Sunday for some work. He told me he would get back to me as soon as he knew something about my query. All I think back to, are my parting words to him a mere 24 hours ago, "Khabar dete rehna Ravi (Keep me informed about news Ravi)."